A parade with people marching, holding flags including American flags, in front of a theater named Rialto with a marquee advertising shows. There are spectators lined up along the sidewalk watching the parade.

People in colorful costumes and hats participating in a parade, riding on a decorated float with a sign that reads 'CAN'T STOP THE FISHING'. Behind them are onlookers in casual attire and a storefront with a photography studio sign.

Red vintage fire truck with large speakers and American flags driving past a crowd outside Rialto theater during a parade.

You might be wondering, “What is the Fish House Parade?” It’s a unique celebration where locals and businesses creatively adorn their ice fishing shacks to compete for the title of best float in this whimsical parade.

The Aitkin Fish House Parade has been a community tradition in Aitkin, Minnesota since 1991:

How it started: The parade was created to celebrate the start of the holiday season and to welcome guests to the community.
What it features: The parade features creatively decorated ice fishing shacks competing for the title of best float.
How it's celebrated: The parade is a big part of the day, but there are also events for all ages, including crafts, bake sales, and more.

Join over 3,000 visitors from across the U.S. for a day filled with Minnesota spirit! Kick off with the Fishhouse 5K, bring the kids to meet Santa, explore the vintage snowmobile exhibit, shop from delightful local business/vendors, and enjoy the parade in downtown Aitkin.

Don’t forget to bundle up and dress warm!

Save the date, and check back for a complete schedule of the day’s exciting events as we get closer!

Parade is at 1PM

Experience the magic of the

World Famous Fish House Parade

> November 28th, 2025 <

A thank you message to sponsors of an event, featuring logos and names of organizations including APT, The Joint, Mid Minnesota Federal Credit Union, MLEC, Aitkin Health Services, Members Cooperative Credit Union, Rosallini's Pizza, Bolton & Menk, Aitkin Assembly of God, Lundberg Plumbing, and Pine Insurance Agency, organized by the Aitkin Area Chamber of Commerce.

SOME OF THE EVENTS HAPPENING

8AM-10AM Fish House 5K

Day of Registration 8AM, Race Start 10am

North of Ordinary 85 4th St NW

10AM-12PM Meet & Greet with Santa Claus

Photos welcome and Small gift given

Ripple Center 301 Minnesota Ave N

10AM-4PM Sip N’ Stroll - Downtown Aitkin Area

Big Tom’s Diner, American Legion, Riverside Pub, Block North, Locker Room, Moose Lodge

10AM Until Soup is Gone FREE SOUP & COCOA

PETALS OF PEACE 209 Minnesota Ave N

10AM-1PM Music & Sketching

Fortunato Art Studio 301 Minnesota Ave

10AM-2PM Glacial Lakes Brewers Beer Poke Party

3rd St between Minnesota Ave N and 1st Ave NE

10AM-3PM Mille Lacs Trails & Aitkin Sno-Drifters Vintage Snowmobile Show

3rd St between Minnesota Ave N and 1st Ave NE

10AM-3PM Winter Craft Market

Ripple Center 301 Minnesota Ave N

10AM-4PM Christmas Through the Holidays

Aitkin Historical Society 20 Pacific St SW

10AM-4PM Chilli & Hotdogs

Moose Lodge 22 4th St NE

10:30AM-1PM United Methodist Soup

Rialto Theater 220 Minnesota Ave N

11AM-3PM Christmas Marketplace

Jaques Art Center 121 2nd St NW

1PM-2PM World Famous Fish House Parade

Route is from the Fairgrounds to the Post Office

Float Award Categories - Enter a float below!

Fantastic Fish House

(most creative fish house)

Judge’s Choice

(bribbing is allowed)

Coolest Kids In Town

(best youth participation)

10AM-ALL DAY Comfort Food

2PM Mega Meat Raffle

American Legion 86 20 1st Ave NE

After Parade Until Soup Is Gone Free Soup

Creamy Chicken Wild Rice or Hamburger Vegetable

The Landing 145 Southgate Dr

4PM-6PM Free Live Music by Molly Lu

The 40 Club 960 2nd ST NW

A parade float featuring a large turkey decoration with colorful feathers, with people in warm clothing and a crowd on the street, snow is falling.

A parade scene with a white horse pulling a red carriage decorated for Christmas. There are Santa Claus figures on the carriage. People are watching the parade on the sidewalk in front of a vintage theater building with a sign for the Rialto Theater and a pharmacy sign in the background.

photos courtesy of Mark Persons

ENTER A FLOAT INTO THE PARADE - IT IS FREE!

Line up starts as early as 10AM at the Aitkin County Fairgrounds and the parade starts at 1PM. We ask candy be handed, not thrown.

Judging Categories:

Best Fish House - Show off your shack! Whether it’s funny, festive, or just plain cool, this award goes to the most standout fish house on wheels.

Best Kids Float - Let the kids take the reins! To qualify, kids must be doing most of the interacting and making the magic happen.

Judge’s Choice - The judge’s favorite float of the parade! Anything goes, and creativity wins.

Map of the Fish House Parade route in Aitkin, Minnesota, scheduled for 1 PM on Thanksgiving day. The parade route is marked in green, starting from the south at the US Post Office on 1st Street NW and continuing north along Broadway Avenue. The Sip N' Stroll route is marked in yellow, starting from 1st Street NW and looping around via 1st Avenue NE and 3rd Street NW. Landmarks along the route include a Ferris wheel at Air Park Drive, moose and mooring icons, and various local business logos.

STOCK UP ON THIS YEAR’S GEAR

Available at the Aitkin Chamber of Commerce office starting Wednesday 11/26

Long Sleeve - $20 | Hooded Sweatshirt - $40

Long-sleeve blue shirt with a fish and jet ski graphic and the text "World Recognized Fish House Parade" on the front, and various sponsor logos and event details on the back.

Gray hoodie with colorful fish graphic on the back and small text on the front.

COME SEE SANTA

Cuyuna Lakes Santa (yes, that is really him in the photos) will be at the Ripple Center at 301 Minnesota Ave N Aitkin, MN 56431 before the Fish House Parade from 10AM-12PM

He is taking the time out of his busy season to say hello to your kiddos so make sure to bring them to this wonderful opportunity!

Free and pictures are welcome